Fire Preparation and Escape: Planning a Route to Safety

Fire Escape Plan

A fire escape plan is an essential element of any home emergency preparation kit. You should be aware of exits and obstacles to ensure your safety in the event of a disaster.

1. Plan an Exit from Every Room

You should have an emergency escape plan for every room of your home. For bedrooms and entryways, planning is easy because there are exits immediately available. Bedrooms have windows which, depending on their height from the ground outside, can be equipped with safety ladders. The tricky part of preparation comes from rooms that are not near an exit, like a basement. For basements, you can install egress windows, which will allow for easy escape. The main point is that every room should have a clear and practiced path to escape, even multiple paths.

2. Clear the Path

Once you have determined the fastest escape routes from every room in your home, you should clear the path for your fire escape plan. This means that you should move dressers and bookcases away from windows, and you should avoid putting furniture, such as side tables and chairs, in the path of escape.

3. Practice

It is vital that you do more than design escape plans, you must practice the routes as well. Panic, anxiety and fear are inevitable emotions when you are experiencing a fire, and if you have not practiced your escape plans enough, you may freeze, forgetting what you are supposed to do. It is best to practice fire escapes at least once a month, but you should discuss them more then that, especially if you have small children.

4. Speak with an Expert

While you may feel confident about your plans, it does not hurt to describe them to professionals who may have some ideas that you have not thought of. A fire remediation specialist in the Anthem, AZ, area may even provide a free assessment of your property to ensure that your plan is the best option in the event of a fire.